Pa. Redistricting Plan Carves Up State

Some Oppose Republican Changes

A just-released plan to re-draw Pennsylvania's congressional districts doubles the number of lawmakers representing the Susquehanna Valley in Washington.

The redistricting process was necessary as Pennsylvania lost population during the most recent census.

Most of the Susquehanna Valley is represented by four members of Congress with the 9th, 16th, 17th and 19th congressional districts.

Under the new proposal the number of congressional districts in the Susquehanna Valley doubles to eight, even though the state as a whole loses one congressional seat.

Other features of the proposed changes include: several of these new districts, like the 10th, 11th, 15th, 6th and 7th, snake their way into the area from far-reaching corners of the state. Some of these areas include the Philadelphia suburbs, the Lehigh Valley and northeast Pennsylvania.

All eight of the districts mentioned above would presumably be occupied by Republicans.

More changes under the plan include: Democratic Tim Holden's district -- which includes Lebanon and Dauphin counties -- would be moved north and east out of the Susquehanna Valley.

Republican Todd Platts has represented primarily York and Adams counties. Under the proposed plan, a new district re-numbered the 4th would have Platts representing people living in the city of Harrisburg.

State lawmakers could begin voting on the plan before the end of the week.

While Republicans control the process, Democrats have often used similar tactics when they are in power to protect vulnerable incumbents.

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